The Reader Summary

In 1958, Michael Berg is a middle-class, 15-year-old living in West Germany. As he is recovering from a prolonged illness, he meets a 38-year-old working-class woman, named Hanna Schmitz. Hanna quickly seduces Michael, and the two characters begin a relationship that lasts for several months. Michael begins regularly to visit Hanna at her apartment where they have sex. Hanna mentally dominates Michael and controls the relationship. Michael falls in love with Hanna...